The United States is grappling with a severe weather crisis on two fronts, with the Northeast paralysed by a major snowstorm and California recovering from catastrophic Christmas Day flooding that claimed three lives.
Northeast brought to a standstill
An intense winter storm, described as one of the most significant in recent years, swept across the Northeast this weekend, severely disrupting the post-Christmas travel plans of millions. Approximately 60 million people were placed under winter weather alerts stretching from New York to Philadelphia.
According to Fox Weather, the region was braced for 5 to 8 inches of snow, with higher accumulations possible in areas like the lower Hudson Valley. By Friday evening, Pawling, New York, had already recorded around seven inches. The heavy snow was forecast to impact a corridor from north-central New Jersey through New York City and into southern Connecticut.
Travel chaos and official warnings
The storm's impact on travel was immediate and severe. By 11:30pm ET on Friday, US airports reported over 8,100 delays and more than 2,100 cancellations. Officials across the tri-state area pleaded with residents to avoid non-essential journeys.
In anticipation, New Jersey's Acting Lieutenant Governor, Tahesha Way, declared a state-wide emergency. "Starting this afternoon, we will experience a severe winter storm bringing dangerous outdoor conditions to our state," she warned, urging people to stay off the roads to allow crews to work.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued an alert as the city faced its first winter storm warning in three years, advising residents to prepare for hazardous conditions. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont echoed the sentiment, stating snowfall rates after sunset would become dangerous for driving. His state had 650 snowplows on standby.
Coastal catastrophe and a national picture
Meanwhile, on the opposite coast, California is dealing with the aftermath of a record-breaking storm that unleashed deadly flooding, mudslides, and powerful waves on Christmas Day. The disaster prompted evacuation orders for thousands of residents.
Authorities confirmed three fatalities across the state as emergency crews performed water rescues. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department ordered evacuations for multiple mountain communities, warning of life-threatening mudslides. In Los Angeles, police conducted door-to-door evacuations for nearly 380 homes deemed most vulnerable.
Back in the Northeast, the situation remains precarious. National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Kienzle highlighted the particular danger on Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania, warning travel could be "unbelievably dangerous" due to expected freezing rain. The dual crises underscore a volatile national weather pattern causing widespread disruption and danger.
